Emeraude struggled to wake up the morning after her father's party. Cassian had stayed for a while but needed to leave; after all, they were planning to return home that day. She got up and chose a loose dress before heading to the bathroom to take a shower and do her morning routine. With her preparations finished, she left her things somewhat organized.Walking to the kitchen, she saw her mother washing the breakfast dishes. Emeraude picked up an apple from the counter and took a bite. "Good morning!" she greeted, leaning against the counter."Good morning, dear," her mother replied with a faint smile. "Do you really have to leave today?" she asked, pouting."Don't make that face, Mom," Emeraude chuckled softly. "I have to. I have some clients this week.""Your visit was so brief; we barely had a chance to do anything," her mother lamented. "We only went to the beach... By the way, there's something I'd like to talk to you about, dear, it's about your boyfriend."Emeraude looked at

Emeraude and Cassian lay on the bedroom carpet, covered by a sheet. Silence hung in the air for a while until he finally broke it."We need to talk," he said, while Emeraude's body was exhausted from what they had just done."About what?" she asked, looking at him."The twins," Cassian replied, sitting up and leaning against the bed."If you're going to blame me..." Emeraude began, but he interrupted."Do you want to hear me out first?" he asked, and she sighed deeply. Cassian always complicated things."Let's establish an agreement between us. I don't think it's fair for you to be alone with two children in this house, so I thought: one stays with me, and the other with you," he explained. Emeraude stared at him, confused."I don't think it's right to separate them, and I believe I can handle both without any issues," she said, not liking the idea."Think, Emeraude," he scoffed. "If it's challenging to take care of one, imagine two.""I don't want to separate them," she replied, roll

Emeraude diverted her gaze from the paper, contemplating the drawings that emerged beneath her strokes. She was determined to do more than just rest during her pregnancy. The idea of opening a clothing store took shape in her mind, nurturing her passion for fashion and design.Cassian St. Clair, though a visual spectacle, did not exhibit inner beauty. He was a man laden with unfavorable adjectives: arrogant, boring, irritating, egocentric, and bossy, among others. Emeraude, on the other hand, channeled her creative energy, sitting on the floor, sketching clothes flowing from her mind."Lying down all day is not cool," she thought to herself, realizing how inactivity made her feel heavier. The act of creating, sketching ideas, and conceiving styles seemed to bring her renewed joy.The vision of a future business began to take shape, and Emeraude decided to take action. She reached for her phone, hidden under the covers, and dialed a number. Anxiety grew as she waited for the response o

A few weeks had passed since Cassian St. Clair delved deeply into his projects, exhausted and longing for a well-deserved rest. The phone rang, announcing Chloe's voice on the other end."Mr. St. Clair, Mr. Thaddeus St. Clair is calling you in his office," Chloe informed."Let him know I'm on my way," replied Cassian, rising from his chair and ending the call. Thoughts of vacation echoed in his mind as he headed to the elevator, towards the top floor where his father's office was located.The elevator doors opened, and Cassian crossed the reception without identifying himself to his father's secretary. Two knocks on the door, and he entered the spacious office."Take a seat," Thaddeus said without looking at Cassian, who settled into the chair. "What did you want to talk about? Can I leave after we're done here?""It's only 2 PM," Thaddeus observed, collecting some papers. "How are things with Emeraude?""Normal as always. Tomorrow, she has a check-up, and the doctor said we can find

FLASHBACK...Emeraude's father approached Cassian while he leaned against the car, waiting with him. A conversation was necessary, and Cassian was sure her father wasn't thrilled about the birthday party."Cassian, what are you doing here?" her father said as he stood in front of him. "Did Emeraude invite you?""I wanted to talk to you first," Cassian said, and the father nodded, giving him a stern look. "But not here.""There's a café nearby," the father suggested, and Cassian nodded, opening the car door. They both got in, and Cassian started the car, heading to the mentioned café.The journey unfolded in silence. Cassian tried to think of things that would make him appear like a great son-in-law, but his mind was blank. So many qualities, and none seemed to fit. He parked the car in front of the café, and they got out. The father chose a table in the corner, and a waitress came to take their orders, but neither of them ordered anything."What do you want to talk about?" the father